Virginia § 46.2-886 - When drivers of certain vehicles to stop, look, and listen at railroad crossings; crossing tracks without shifting gears
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 46.2-886 — When drivers of certain vehicles to stop, look, and listen at railroad crossings; crossing tracks without shifting gears, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 46.2-886. When drivers of certain vehicles to stop, look, and listen at railroad crossings; crossing tracks without shifting gears
Except in cities or towns, the driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any vehicle carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo, before crossing at grade any railroad track, shall stop such vehicle within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, except as hereinafter provided in this section, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. After stopping and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any vehicle shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing.
Before crossing any railroad tracks at grade, the driver of any school bus shall stop the school bus within fifty feet but not less than fifteen feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and while stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching train, except as hereinafter provided in this section, and shall not proceed until he can do so safely. After stopping and upon proceeding when it is safe to do so, the driver of any school bus shall cross only in such gear of the vehicle that there will be no necessity for changing gears while traversing the crossing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, no stop need be made at any such crossing where a law-enforcement officer or a traffic-control signal directs traffic to proceed.
Code 1950, § 46-254.1; 1956, c. 164; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-245; 1989, c. 727.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 46.2-886
What does Code of Virginia § 46.2-886 cover?
Section 46.2-886 ("When drivers of certain vehicles to stop, look, and listen at railroad crossings; crossing tracks without shifting gears") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 46.2-886?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 46.2-886" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 46.2-886 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.